Kawasaki and Transgaz partner for hydrogen pipeline transport

Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Romania’s state-controlled natural gas operator, Transgaz, have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop large-scale onshore hydrogen gas transport via pipelines. Announced at the Romania–Japan Innovation Forum 2026 in Tokyo, the strategic partnership aims to establish a model for the safe and stable supply of hydrogen to Central and Eastern Europe.

The collaboration will combine Transgaz’s pipeline expertise with Kawasaki’s centrifugal hydrogen compressor technology. As an initial phase, Kawasaki plans to conduct demonstration tests in Romania using its KM Comp-H2 centrifugal hydrogen compressor. This project is part of a Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) program intended to support Ukraine’s reconstruction and strengthen ties with Central and Eastern European countries.

This initiative is expected to be the world’s first attempt to realize large-scale hydrogen gas transport through onshore pipelines, a move intended to reduce hydrogen supply costs and facilitate widespread energy adoption.